Baking is a creative outlet for many people, but sometimes even basic cupcakes and sugar cookies are a nightmare for some of us. For those unaccustomed to baking, some kitchen equipment is often used that may not be touched otherwise. To help alleviate some of the stress of crafting baked goods, here is some popular baking terminology.

Aerate – To supply an ingredient with air, which lightens it. This is typically accomplished, in the case of dry ingredients, by sifting. Certain cake and cupcake mixes need to be aerated to create a fluffier dessert.

Bind – To thicken a substance. This is usually done by mixing the substance with a hot liquid, which constricts it.

Blanch – To dip food in boiling water and then cold water.

Caramelize – To brown using heat. This term can be applied to many foods, but in baking caramelize typically refers to sugar.

Dock – To puncture pastry dough before it is baked, which allows steam to escape from the product. Docking prevents unsightly stretching or bubbling. A pie or pastry should be docked before baking to maintain its visual appeal.

Infuse – To soak an ingredient in a liquid, supplying the liquid with the ingredient’s flavor.

Knead – To work dough into a desired consistency. Breads, including bagels, need to be kneaded before being baked. This can be done manually or with equipment.

Poach – To cook something in a boiling liquid. Eggs are popular goods that are often poached.

Temper – Tempering is accomplished by first heating chocolate so that it melts and then allowing it to cool to an ideal temperature. This creates a temperature that is suitable for dipping or molding.

Bakeries provide individuals and companies with baked goods such as French breads, German chocolate cakes, pastry items, cookies, and bagels. Wholesale bakeries focus on selling large numbers of their baked goods. They usually supply restaurants, cafes, wedding catering companies, delis, and stores. Since they do not have to worry about the cost of furniture and running their own public shops, the wholesalers can often charge less money for bulk orders.
Many wholesale bakeries choose to focus much of their attention on specific items. While they might sell a variety of pies, gourmet breads, and chocolate chip cookies, they could specialize in a regional favorite. This makes it important for coffee shops and delis to shop around for wholesalers that can supply them with the items they really need.
Pastry wholesalers usually offer a wide range of sweets such as muffins, pies, cakes, and cookies. These foods are popular as desserts and breakfast items. Not all of the pastry wholesalers will have the elaborate wedding cakes that caterers want for their parties, but many do. In fact, some of them specialize in using shaped pans to provide unique cakes and other pastry items.
Since there are probably several wholesale bakers that operate in your area, you should use a popular search engine to learn more about the specialty foods, supplies, and equipment that they can offer your business. The companies' web sites usually provide information about the different types of bagels, breads, and confections that they sell. You can also use a search engine to find reviews that will help you choose a company with high marks.